Antenna lens array for tracking multiple devices

ABSTRACT

A radio frequency antenna array uses lenses and RF elements, to provide ground-based and sky-based coverage for multiple object communication and tracking. The antenna array can include two spherical lenses, where each spherical lens has at least two associated RF elements. Each of the RF elements associated with a given lens produces an output beam with an output area. Each lens also includes a sub-controller configured to combine the output beams produced by the RF elements. The antenna includes a control mechanism configured to enable a user to move the RF elements along their respective tracks, and automatically combine, or modify the phase of, the output beams from the RF elements based on the relative positions between the RF elements. The combined beams track independent targets, such as satellites, across an area.

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/740,376, filed Jan. 10, 2020,which is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/559,886, filed May24, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Ser. No.10/326,208, filed Dec. 3, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patentSer. No. 10/224,636, filed Sep. 8, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S.patent Ser. No. 10/224,635, filed Oct. 10, 2016, which is a continuationof U.S. Pat. No. 9,728,860, filed Dec. 3, 2015, which claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/201,523 filed Aug. 5, 2015. Thisand all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in areference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contraryto the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of thatterm provided herein is deemed to be controlling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is radio frequency antenna technology.

BACKGROUND

The following description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

As the number of satellites in operation grows, and task of trackingmultiple low/medium orbit satellites becomes increasingly complicated,the need for antennae with multiple satellite tracking capabilities hassimilarly increased. However, the existing systems taught by the priorart have several drawbacks. For example, the USEI reference teaches asingle, gimballed reflector, antenna with a mechanical pedestal onlycapable of tracking a single satellite. Further, this teaching requiresa plurality of these expensive antennas installed over a large area inorder to effectively track a plurality of satellites, as the antennasrequire an installation at multiple hundred meter intervals to avoidinter-antenna interference. Alternative designs include conformal (e.g.hemispherical) phased array antennas, which are also relativelyexpensive, experience high gain loss near the horizon, have an inherentnarrow bandwidth, and cannot independently track adjacent satelliteswith a full time downlink.

It has been proposed that using a spherical lens (e.g., a Luneburg lens,etc.) along with RF transceivers can provide better result than atraditional target tracking antenna. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,821,908 titled “Spherical Lens Antenna Having an ElectronicallySteerable Beam” issued to Sreenivas teaches an antenna system capable ofproducing independently steerable beams using a phased array antenna anda spherical lens. U.S. Pat. No. 7,605,768 titled “Multi-Beam Antenna”issued to Ebling et al. discloses a multi-beam antenna system using aspherical lens and an array of electromagnetic lens elements disposedaround the surface of the lens.

However, these antenna systems are not suitable for target trackingantennae. Thus, there is still a need for effectively utilizing lensantennae in a target tracking antenna application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods inwhich an antenna uses an array of spherical lenses, and mechanicallymovable elements, to provide ground-based and sky-based coverage formultiple object communication and tracking.

In preferred embodiments the antenna includes at least two sphericallens aligned along a virtual axis, and an element assembly for eachspherical lens. Each element assembly has at least one track that curvesalong the contour of the exterior surface of the spherical lens andalong which a radio frequency (RF) element can move. The trackadvantageously allows the RF element to move in a direction that isparallel to the virtual axis. In some embodiments, the tracks alsoenable the RF elements to move in a direction that is perpendicular tothe virtual axis.

Preferred antennas also include a phase shifter that is configured toadjust a phase of the signals produced by the RF elements, and a controlmechanism that is connected to the phase shifter and the RF elements.The control mechanism is configured to enable a user to move the RFelements along their respective tracks, as well as automaticallyconfigure the phase shifter to modify a phase of the output signals fromthe elements based on the relative positions between the RF elements.

Multiple RF elements can be placed on a single track, thus allowingdifferent RF elements on the same track to be moved independently ofeach other. In addition, the control mechanism can be programmed to bothcoordinate multiple pairs (or groups) of RF elements, and configure aphase shifter to modify a phase of the output signals transmitted fromthe same pair (or group) of RF elements, so that the signals would bein-phase.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary antenna system.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary control mechanism.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the front and back perspectives,respectively, of a spherical lens.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative antenna system having two-dimensionaltracks.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the front and back perspectives,respectively, of a spherical lens having a two-dimensional track.

FIG. 5 illustrates an antenna that pairs opposite RF elements in thesame group.

FIG. 6 illustrates another antenna that pairs opposite RF elements inthe same group.

FIG. 7A illustrates an antenna array with a first and a second lens,each producing output beams via their RF element.

FIG. 7B illustrates the output areas of the first and second lenses.

FIG. 8A illustrates the placement of RF elements on multiple lenses inan antenna array.

FIG. 8B illustrates the operation of output areas in various output areagroupings.

FIG. 9 illustrates an antenna arrangement with a first, a second, and athird lens, each producing output beams via their RF elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following discussion, numerous references will be maderegarding servers, services, interfaces, engines, modules, clients,peers, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computingdevices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms is deemedto represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor(e.g., ASIC, FPGA, DSP, x86, ARM, ColdFire, GPU, multi-core processors,etc.) configured to execute software instructions stored on a computerreadable tangible, non-transitory medium (e.g., hard drive, solid statedrive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). For example, a server can include one ormore computers operating as a web server, database server, or other typeof computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles,responsibilities, or functions. One should further appreciate thedisclosed computer-based algorithms, processes, methods, or other typesof instruction sets can be embodied as a computer program productcomprising a non-transitory, tangible computer readable media storingthe instructions that cause a processor to execute the disclosed steps.The various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces can exchange datausing standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP,HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, knownfinancial transaction protocols, or other electronic informationexchanging methods. Data exchanges can be conducted over apacket-switched network, a circuit-switched network, the Internet, LAN,WAN, VPN, or other type of network.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,when a system, engine, or a module is described as configured to performa set of functions, the meaning of “configured to” or “programmed to” isdefined as one or more processors being programmed by a set of softwareinstructions to perform the set of functions.

The following discussion provides example embodiments of the inventivesubject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combinationof inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered toinclude all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if oneembodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodimentcomprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is alsoconsidered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D,even if not explicitly disclosed.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which twoelements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirectcoupling (in which at least one additional element is located betweenthe two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with”are used synonymously.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth,used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the inventive subjectmatter are to be understood as being modified in some instances by theterm “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parametersset forth in the written description and attached claims areapproximations that can vary depending upon the desired propertiessought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments,the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number ofreported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameterssetting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the inventivesubject matter are approximations, the numerical values set forth in thespecific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. Thenumerical values presented in some embodiments of the inventive subjectmatter may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from thestandard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth hereinshould be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints andopen-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commerciallypractical values. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merelyintended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually toeach separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicatedherein, each individual value within a range is incorporated into thespecification as if it were individually recited herein. Similarly, alllists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate valuesunless the context indicates the contrary.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable orderunless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted bycontext. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein isintended merely to better illuminate the inventive subject matter anddoes not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventive subject matterotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of theinventive subject matter.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventivesubject matter disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations.Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in anycombination with other members of the group or other elements foundherein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deletedfrom, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When anysuch inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed tocontain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description ofall Markush groups used in the appended claims.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, an antenna uses an arrayof spherical lens and mechanically movable elements along the surface ofthe spherical lens to provide cellular coverage for a small, focusedgeographical area. In some embodiments, the antenna includes at leasttwo spherical lens aligned along a virtual axis. The antenna alsoincludes an element assembly for each spherical lens. Each elementassembly has at least one track that curves along the contour of theexterior surface of the spherical lens and along which a radio frequency(RF) element can move. In preferred embodiments, the track allows the RFelement to move in a direction that is parallel to the virtual axis. Theantenna also includes a phase shifter that is configured to adjust aphase of the signals produced by the RF elements. The antenna includes acontrol mechanism that is connected to the phase shifter and the RFelements. The control mechanism is configured to enable a user to movethe RF elements along their respective tracks, and automaticallyconfigure the phase shifter to modify a phase of the output signals fromthe elements based on the relative positions between the RF elements.

FIG. 1A illustrates an antenna system 100 according to some embodimentsof the inventive subject matter. In this example, the antenna system 100includes two spherical lenses 105 and 110 that are aligned along avirtual axis 115 in a three-dimensional space. It is noted that althoughonly two spherical lenses are shown in this example, more spherical lenscan be aligned along the virtual axis 115 in the antenna system 100. Aspherical lens is a lens with a surface having a shape of (orsubstantially having a shape of) a sphere. As defined herein, a lenswith a surface that substantially conform to the shape of a sphere meansat least 50% (preferably at least 80%, and even more preferably at least90%) of the surface area conforms to the shape of a sphere. Examples ofspherical lenses include a spherical-shell lens, the Luneburg lens, etc.The spherical lens can include only one layer of dielectric material, ormultiple layers of dielectric material. A conventional Luneburg lens isa spherically symmetric lens that has multiple layers inside the spherewith varying indices of refraction.

The antenna system 100 also includes an element assembly 120 associatedwith the spherical lens 105, and an element assembly 125 associated withthe spherical lens 110. Each element assembly includes at least onetrack. In this example, the element assembly 120 includes a track 130while the element assembly 125 includes a track 135. As shown, each ofthe tracks 130 and 135 has a shape that substantially conforms to(curves along) the exterior surface of its associated spherical lens.The tracks 130 and 135 can vary in length and in dimensions. In thisexample, the tracks 130 and 135 are one-dimensional and oriented alongthe virtual axis 115. In addition, each of the tracks 130 and 135 coversless than half of a circle created by the respective spherical lens.However, it is contemplated that the tracks 130 and 135 can havedifferent orientation (e.g., oriented in perpendicular to the virtualaxis 115, etc.), can be two-dimensional (or multi-dimensional), and/orcan cover smaller or larger portions of the surface areas of thespherical lenses 105 and 110 (e.g., covering a circumference of a circlecreated by the spherical lenses 105 and 110, covering a hemisphericalarea of the spherical lenses 105 and 110, etc.).

Each of the element assemblies 120 and 125 also houses at least one RFelement. An RF element can include an emitter, a receiver, or atransceiver. As shown, the element assembly 120 houses an RF element 140on the track 130, and the element assembly 125 houses an RF element 145on the track 135. In this example, each of the element assemblies 120and 125 only includes one RF element, but it has been contemplated thateach element assembly can house multiple RF elements on one or moretracks.

In exemplary embodiments, each RF element (from RF elements 140 and 145)is configured to transmit an output signal (e.g., a radio frequencysignal) in the form of a beam to the atmosphere through itscorresponding spherical lens. The spherical lens allows the output RFsignal to narrow so that the resultant beam can travel a fartherdistance. In addition, the RF elements 140 and 145 are configured toreceive/detect incoming signals that have been focused by the sphericalspheres 105 and 110.

Each RF element (of the RF elements 140 and 145) is physically connectedto (or alternatively, communicatively coupled with) a phase shifter formodifying a phase of the output RF signal. In this example, the RFelement 140 is communicatively coupled to a phase shifter 150 and the RFelement 145 is communicatively coupled to a phase shifter 155. The phaseshifters 150 and 155 are in turn physically connected to (oralternatively, communicatively coupled with) a control mechanism 160.

The control mechanism 160 includes a mechanical module configured toenable a user to mechanically move the RF elements 140 and 145 along thetracks 130 and 135, respectively. The interface that allows the user tomove the RF elements can be a mechanical rod or other physical trigger.It is noted that the mechanical rod can have a shape such as a cylinder,a flat piece of dielectric material, or any kind of elongated shapes. Insome embodiments, the control mechanism 160 also includes an electronicdevice having at least one processor and memory that stores softwareinstructions, that when executed by the processor, perform the functionsand features of the control mechanism 160. The electronic device of someembodiments is programmed to control the movement of the RF elements 140and 145 along the tracks 130 and 135, respectively. The electronicdevice can also provides a user interface (e.g., a graphical userinterface displayed on a display device, etc.) that enables the user tocontrol the movement of the RF elements 140 and 145. The electronicdevice can in turn be connected to a motor that controls the mechanicalmodule. Thus, the motor triggers the mechanical module upon receiving asignal from the electronic device.

For example, the control mechanism 160 can move the RF element 140 fromposition ‘a’ (indicated by dotted-line circle) to position ‘b’(indicated by solid-line circle) along the track 130, and move the RFelement 145 from position ‘c’ (indicated by dotted-line circle) toposition ‘d’ (indicated by solid-line circle) along the track 135. Bymoving the RF elements to different positions, the antenna system 100can dynamically change the geographical coverage area of the antenna100. It is also contemplated that by moving multiple RF elements andarranging them in different positions, the antenna system 100 can alsodynamically change the coverage size, and capacity allocated todifferent geographical areas. As such, the antenna system 100, via thecontrol mechanism 160, can be programmed to configure the RF elements toprovide coverage at different geographical areas and different capacity(by having more or less RF elements covering the same geographical area)depending on demands at the time.

For example, as the control mechanism 160 moves the RF elements 140 and145 from positions ‘a’ and ‘c’ to positions ‘b’ and ‘d,’ respectively,the antenna system 100 can change the geographical coverage area to anarea that is closer to the antenna system 100. It is also noted thathaving multiple spherical lenses with associated RF element allow theantenna system 100 to (1) provide multiple coverage areas and/or (2)increase the capacity within a coverage area. In this example, sinceboth of the RF elements 140 and 145 associated with the spherical lenses105 and 110 are directing resultant output signal beams at the samedirection as indicated by arrows 165 and 170, the antenna system 100effectively has double the capacity for the coverage area when comparedwith an antenna system having only one spherical lens with oneassociated RF element.

However, it is noted that in an antenna system where multiple sphericallenses are aligned with each other along a virtual axis (e.g., thevirtual axis 115), when multiple RF elements are transmitting output RFsignals through the multiple spherical lenses at an angle that is notperpendicular to the virtual axis along which the spherical lenses arealigned, the signals from the different RF elements will be out ofphase. In this example, it is shown from the dotted lines 175-185 thatthe output signals transmitted by the RF elements 140 and 145 atpositions ‘b’ and ‘d,’ respectively, are out of phase. Dotted lines175-185 are virtual lines that are perpendicular to the direction of theresultant output signal beams transmitted from RF elements 140 and 145at positions ‘b’ and ‘d,’ respectively. As such, dotted lines 175-185indicate positions of advancement for the resultant output beams. Whenthe output signal beams are in phase, the output signal beams shouldhave the same progression at each of the positions 175-185. Assumingboth RF elements 140 and 145 transmit the same output signal at the sametime, without any phase adjustments, the output signal beams 165 and 170would have the same phase at the time they leave the spherical lenses105 and 110, respectively. As shown, due to the directions the beams aretransmitted with respect to how the spherical lenses 105 and 110 arealigned (i.e., the orientation of the virtual axis 115), the position175 is equivalent to the edge of the spherical lens 105 for the signalbeam 165, but is equivalent to the center of the spherical lens 110 forthe signal beam 170. Similarly, the position 180 is away from the edgeof the spherical lens 105 for a distance ‘e’ while the position 180 isequivalent to the edge of the spherical lens 110. As such, in order tomake the signal beams 165 and 170 in phase, the control mechanism 160configures the phase shifters 150 and 155 to modify (or adjust) thephase of the output signal transmitted by either RF element 140 or 145,or both output signals transmitted by RF elements 140 and 145. In thisexample, the control mechanism 160 can adjust the phase of the outputsignal transmitted by RF element 145 by a value equivalent to thedistance ‘e’ such that output signal beams 165 and 170 are in-phase.

In other embodiments, the control mechanism 160 is configured toautomatically determine the phase modifications necessary to bring theoutput beams in-phase based on the positions of the RF elements. It iscontemplated that a user can provide an input of a geographical areas tobe covered by the antenna system 100 and the control mechanism 160 wouldautomatically move the positions of the RF elements to cover thegeographical areas and configure the phase shifters to ensure that theoutput beams from the RF elements are in phase based on the newpositions of the RF elements.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a control mechanism 102 attached tothe element assembly 103 that is associated with the spherical lens 107.The mechanical module 102 includes a housing 104, within which a rod 106is disposed. The rod 106 has teeth 108 configured to rotate a gear 112.The gear can in turn control the movement of the RF element 109. Underthis setup, a person can manually adjust the position of the RF element109 by moving the rod 106 up and down. It has been contemplated that therod 106 can be extended to reach other element assemblies (for example,an element assembly and spherical lens that are stacked on top of thespherical lens 107). That way, the rod can effectively control themovement of RF elements associated with more than one spherical lens.

A phase shifter can be implemented within the same mechanism 102, bymaking at least a portion of the rod 106 using dielectric materials.When the rod includes dielectric materials, adjust the position of therod 106 in this manner effectively modifies the phase of an outputsignal transmitted by the RF element 109. It is noted that one canconfigure the position of the rod 106 and the gear 112 such that theposition of the RF element 109 and the phase modification is in-sync.This way, one can simply provide a single input (moving the rod up ordown by a distance) to adjust both the position of the RF element 109and the phase of the output signal.

It is also contemplated that a electric device (not shown) can beconnected to the end of the rod (not attached to the gear 112). Theelectric device can control the movement of the rod 106 based on aninput electronic signal, thereby controlling the movement of the RFelement 109 and the phase adjustment of the output signal. A computingdevice (not shown) can communicatively couple with the electric deviceto remotely control the RF element 109 and the phase of the outputsignal.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the spherical lens 105 and the elementassembly 120 from different perspectives. Specifically, FIG. 2Aillustrates the spherical lens 105 from a front perspective, in whichthe element assembly 120 (including the track 130 and the RF element140) appear to be behind the spherical lens 105. In this figure, thesignals emitting from the RF element 140 are directed outward from thepage. FIG. 2B illustrates the spherical lens 105 from a backperspective, in which the element assembly 120 (including the track 130and the RF element 140) appear to be behind the spherical lens 105. Inthis figure, the signals emitting from the RF element 140 are directedinto the page.

FIG. 3 illustrates an antenna 300 in which the tracks associated withthe spherical lens is two dimensional and each track associated with aspherical lens includes two RF elements. The antenna 300 is similar tothe antenna 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, the antenna 300 has two sphericallenses 305 and 310 aligned along a virtual axis 315 in athree-dimensional space. The spherical lens 305 has an associatedelement assembly 320, and the spherical lens 310 has an associatedelement assembly 325. The element assembly 320 has a track 330, andsimilarly, the element assembly 325 has a track 335. The tracks 330 and335 are two dimensional.

In addition, each of the tracks 325 and 335 includes two RF elements. Asshown, the track 325 has RF elements 340 and 345, and the track 335 hasRF elements 350 and 355. The two dimensional tracks 330 and 335 allowsthe RF elements 340-355 to move in a two dimensional field in theirrespective tracks. In exemplary embodiments, the antenna 300 createsgroups of RF elements, where each group consists of one RF element fromeach element assembly. In this example, the antenna 300 has two groupsof RF elements. The first group of RF elements includes the RF element340 of the element assembly 320 and the RF element 350 of the elementassembly 325. The second group of RF elements includes the RF element345 of the element assembly 320 and the RF element 355 of the elementassembly 325. The antenna 300 provides a control mechanism and phaseshifter for each group of RF elements. In this example, the antenna 300provides a control mechanism and phase shifter 360 (all in one assembly)for the first group of RF elements and a control mechanism and phaseshifter 365 for the second group of RF elements. The control mechanismand phase shifters are configured to modify the positions of the RFelements within the group and to modify the phase of the output signalstransmitted by the RF elements in the group such that the output signalscoming out for the respective spherical lens 305 and 310 are in-phase.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates the spherical lens 305 Figures and itselement assembly 320 from different perspectives. Specifically, FIG. 4Aillustrates the spherical lens 305 from a front perspective, in whichthe element assembly 320 (including the track 330 and the RF elements340 and 345) appear to be behind the spherical lens 305. In this figure,the signals emitting from the RF element 340 and 345 are directedoutward from the page. As shown, the RF elements 340 and 345 can move upand down (parallel to the virtual axis 315) or sideways (perpendicularto the virtual axis 315), as shown by the arrows near the RF element340.

FIG. 4B illustrates the spherical lens 305 from a back perspective, inwhich the element assembly 320 (including the track 330 and the RFelements 340 and 345) appear to be behind the spherical lens 305. Inthis figure, the signals emitting from the RF elements 340 and 345 aredirected into the page. It is contemplated that more than two RFelements can be installed in the same element assembly, and differentpatterns (e.g., 3×3, 4×3, 4×4, etc.) of RF element arrangements can beformed on the element assembly.

Referring back to FIG. 3, it is noted that the RF elements that are insubstantially identical positions with respect to their respectivespherical lens are grouped together. For example, the RF element 340 ispaired with the RF element 350 because their positions relative to theirrespective associated spherical lenses 305 and 310 are substantiallysimilar. Similarly, the RF element 345 is paired with the RF element 355because their positions relative to their respective associatedspherical lenses 305 and 310 are substantially similar. It iscontemplated that the manner in which RF elements are paired can affectthe vertical footprint of the resultant beam (also known as polarizedcoincident radiation pattern) generated by the RF elements. As definedherein, the vertical footprint of an RF element means the coverage areaof the RF element on a dimension that is parallel to the axis alongwhich the spherical lenses are aligned. For practical purposes, the goalis to maximize the overlapping areas (also known as the cross polarizedcoincident radiation patterns) of the different resultant beamsgenerated by multiple RF elements.

As such, in another aspect of the inventive subject matter, an antennahaving an array of spherical lenses pairs opposite RF elements that areassociated with different spherical lenses to cover substantiallyoverlapping geographical areas. In some embodiments, each spherical lensin the array of spherical lenses has a virtual axis that is parallelwith other virtual axes associated with the other spherical lenses inthe array. One of the paired RF elements is placed on one side of thevirtual axis associated with a first spherical lens and the other one ofthe paired RF elements is placed on the opposite side of the virtualaxis associated with a second spherical lens. In preferred embodiments,the antenna also includes a control mechanism programmed to configurethe paired RF elements to provide output signals to and/or receive inputsignals from substantially overlapping geographical areas.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of such an antenna 500 of preferredembodiments. The antenna 500 includes an array of spherical lens(including spherical lenses 505 and 510) that is aligned along an axis515. Although the antenna 500 in this example is shown to include onlytwo spherical lenses in the array of spherical lenses, it has beencontemplated that the antenna 500 can include more spherical lenses thatare aligned along the axis 515 as desired.

Each spherical lens also includes an RF element arrangement axis that isparallel to one another. In this example, the spherical lens 505 has anRF element arrangement axis 540 and the spherical lens 510 has an RFelement arrangement axis 545. Preferably, the RF element arrangementaxes 540 and 545 are perpendicular to the virtual axis 515 along whichthe spherical lenses 505 and 510 are aligned, as shown in this example.However, it has been contemplated that the RF element arrangement axescan be in any orientation, as long as they are parallel with each other.

As shown, each spherical lens in the array has associated RF elements.In this example, the spherical lens 505 has two associated RF elements520 and 525, and the spherical lens 510 has two associated RF elements530 and 535. The RF elements associated with each spherical lens areplaced along the surface of the spherical lens, on different sides ofthe RF element arrangement axis. As shown, the RF element 520 is placedon top of (on one side of) the RF element arrangement axis 540 and theRF element 525 is placed on the bottom of (on the other side of) the RFelement arrangement axis 540. Similarly, the RF element 530 is placed ontop of (on one side of) the RF element arrangement axis 545 and the RFelement 525 is placed on the bottom of (on the other side of) the RFelement arrangement axis 545.

The antenna 500 also includes control mechanisms 550 and 555 forcoordinating groups of RF elements. As mentioned before, it has beencontemplated that pairing opposite RF elements that are associated withdifferent spherical lens (i.e., pairing RF elements that are on oppositesides of the RF element arrangement axis) provides the optimaloverlapping vertical footprints. Thus, the control mechanism 550 iscommunicatively coupled with the RF element 520 (which is placed on topof the RF element arrangement axis 540) and the RF element 535 (which isplaced on the bottom of the RF element arrangement axis 545) tocoordinate the RF elements 520 and 535 to provide signal coverage ofsubstantially the same geographical area. Similarly, the controlmechanism 555 is communicatively coupled with the RF element 525 (whichis placed on the bottom of the RF element arrangement axis 540) and theRF element 530 (which is placed on top of the RF element arrangementaxis 545) to coordinate the RF elements 525 and 530 to provide signalcoverage of substantially the same geographical area. In someembodiments, the control mechanisms 550 and 555 also include phaseshifters configured to modify the phase of the signals being outputtedby their associated RF elements. Thus, this embodiment has an antennaassembly that includes a control mechanism but does not include phaseshifters. Without phase shifters, the design and operation of theantenna assembly is simplified, but may have signals from outputantennas that are slightly out-of phase.

In addition to the requirement that the grouped RF elements have to beon different sides of the RF element arrangement axis, it is preferablethat the distance between the RF elements and the RF element arrangementaxis are substantially the same (less than 10%, and more preferably lessthan 5% deviation). Thus, in this example, the distance between the RFelement 520 and the axis 540 is substantially the same as the distancebetween the RF element 535 and the axis 545. Similarly, the distancebetween the RF element 525 and the axis 540 is substantially the same asthe distance between the RF element 530 and the axis 545.

While the RF elements 520-535 are shown to be placed at fixed locationsin this figure, in some other embodiments, the antenna 500 can alsoincludes tracks that enable the RF elements to move to differentpositions along the surface of their respective spherical lenses. Inthese embodiments, the control mechanisms 550 and 555 are configured tocoordinate their associated RF elements and phase shifters to send outsynchronized signals to a covered geographical area.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the RF element arrangement axesare arranged to be perpendicular to the axis along which the sphericallenses are aligned. As mentioned above, the RF element arrangement axescan be oriented in different ways. FIG. 6 illustrates an antenna 600having RF elements placed on different sides of RF element arrangementaxes that are not perpendicular to the virtual axis along which thespherical lenses are aligned. The antenna 600 is almost identical to theantenna 500. The antenna 600 has an array of spherical lens (includingspherical lenses 605 and 610) that is aligned along an axis 615.Although the antenna 600 in this example is shown to include only twospherical lenses in the array of spherical lenses, it has beencontemplated that the antenna 600 can include more spherical lenses thatare aligned along the axis 615 as desired.

Each spherical lens also includes an RF element arrangement axis that isparallel to one another. In this example, the spherical lens 605 has anRF element arrangement axis 640 and the spherical lens 610 has an RFelement arrangement axis 645. As shown, the RF element arrangement axes640 and 645 are not perpendicular to the virtual axis 615. By having theRF element arrangement axes in different orientations, the antenna 600can be adjusted to cover different geographical areas (closer to theantenna, farther away from the antenna, etc.).

As shown, each spherical lens in the array has associated RF elements.In this example, the spherical lens 605 has two associated RF elements620 and 625, and the spherical lens 610 has two associated RF elements630 and 635. The RF elements associated with each spherical lens areplaced along the surface of the spherical lens, on different sides ofthe RF element arrangement axis. As shown, the RF element 620 is placedon top of (on one side of) the RF element arrangement axis 640 and theRF element 625 is placed on the bottom of (on the other side of) the RFelement arrangement axis 640. Similarly, the RF element 630 is placed ontop of (on one side of) the RF element arrangement axis 645 and the RFelement 625 is placed on the bottom of (on the other side of) the RFelement arrangement axis 645.

The antenna 600 also includes control mechanisms 650 and 655 forcoordinating groups of RF elements. The control mechanisms 650 and 655are configured to pair opposite RF elements that are associated withdifferent spherical lens (i.e., pairing RF elements that are on oppositesides of the RF element arrangement axis). Thus, the control mechanism650 is communicatively coupled with the RF element 620 (which is placedon top of the RF element arrangement axis 640) and the RF element 635(which is placed on the bottom of the RF element arrangement axis 645)to coordinate the RF elements 620 and 635 to provide signal coverage ofsubstantially the same area. Similarly, the control mechanism 655 iscommunicatively coupled with the RF element 625 (which is placed on thebottom of the RF element arrangement axis 640) and the RF element 630(which is placed on top of the RF element arrangement axis 645) tocoordinate the RF elements 625 and 630 to provide signal coverage ofsubstantially the same area. In exemplary embodiments, the controlmechanisms 650 and 655 also include phase shifters configured to modifythe phase of the signals being outputted by their associated RFelements.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an antenna similar to FIG. 6 and output areasassociated with the antenna array 700, respectively. The array 700 hasmultiple lenses (including spherical lenses 701 and 702). Although array700 in this example is shown to include only two spherical lenses in thearray of lenses, it is contemplated that array 700 can include three ormore lenses.

Each of the lenses include at least two RF elements, and twosub-controllers. In this example, the lens 701 has RF elements 720 and721, and lens 702 has RF elements 722 and 723. Each RF element has asub-controller configured for phase shifting an output beam produced bythe RF element. As shown, RF element 720 is coupled to sub-controller730, RF element 721 is coupled to sub-controller 731, RF element 722 iscoupled to sub-controller 732, and RF element 723 is coupled tosub-controller 733. Further, lens array 701 has two groupings ofassociated RF elements 720 and 722, and 721 and 723.

Each RF element generates an output beam, which is adjusted by itsassociated sub-controller, to produce an output area. In this example,the RF element 720 produce an output area 751, and the RF element 721produce an output area 752. In another embodiment, RF element the RFelement 722 produces an output area 751, and the RF element 723 producesan output area 752. In a preferred embodiment, Controller 740 cancommand the sub-controllers 730 and 732 to phase shift RF elements 720and 722, respectively, to create an overlapped beam via constructiveinterference. In a related embodiment, controller 740 can command the RFelements 720 and 722 to produce or cease production of their respectiveoutput beams based on the movement of a target. The overlapped beam fromRF elements 720 and 722 produces output area 760. As shown in outputarea grouping 750, output area 760 is narrower than output area 751, andcan be phase shifted to move about within output area 751. Controller740 can command the sub-controllers 731 and 733 to phase shift RFelements 721 and 723, respectively, to create an overlapped beam viaconstructive interference. The overlapped beam from RF elements 721 and723 produces output area 761. As shown in FIG. 7B, output area 761 isnarrower than output area 752, and can be phase shifted to move aboutwithin output area 752. The overlapped beams may operate simultaneously.The first and second overlapped may shift in concert or independently.

In certain configurations, lens 701 is collinear or non-collinear withlens 702. Additional antennas may be arranged in rows, coupled toantennas 701 and 702. Antenna rows may be parallel or non-parallel. Inother configurations, rows of antennas may be closely packed. A “closelypacked” lens arrangement may be embodied by at least two rows of lenses,clustered together such that a lens is diagonally situated from at leastone other lens in the other lens row.

FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of the “closely packed” antennaarrangement. Antenna array 800 is similar to antenna array 700, exceptwith additional antennas and RF elements. The array 800 has multiplelenses (including spherical lenses 701, 702, 801, and 802).

Each of the lenses include at least four RF elements, and foursub-controllers. Lens 701 has RF elements 720, 721, 816, and 817. Lens702 has RF elements 722, 723, 814, and 815. Lens 801 has RF elements810, 811, 812, and 813. Lens 802 has RF elements 818, 819, 820, and 821.

Each RF element generates an output beam, which can be adjusted by itsassociated sub-controller, to produce an output area. In preferredembodiments, each RF element has a sub-controller configured such thatwhen two beams from individual RF elements are combined, the relativephase generated by the two sub-controllers can move the position of theresulting output area within the contour of the larger output area. InFIG. 8B, the RF element 816 produces an output area 831, the RF element817 produces an output area 832, the RF element 721 produces an outputarea 751, the RF element 720 produces output area 752

In other embodiments, the RF element 812, 814, or 820 produces an outputarea 831, and the RF element 813, 815, or 821 produces an output area832, the RF element 810, 723, or 818 produce an output area 751, the RFelement 811, 722, or 819 produce output area 752. As shown in outputarea grouping 830, the output beams from RF elements 720, 722, and 819are phase shifted to create an overlapped beam via constructiveinterference.

The overlapped beam from RF elements 721, 723, and 810 produces outputarea 850. RF elements 721, 723, and 810 can be phase shifted to trackoutput area 850 from point A to point B. Output area 850 could befurther narrowed via an additional output beam from RF element 818.Tracking output area 850 from point A to point B could be made inanticipation of a known target requiring coverage entering the outputarea 850.

An output area has a non-assigned state, where the output area is madeas narrow or wide as necessary to provide coverage to any targets thatmay enter the output area. The output beams from RF elements 816 and 812are phase shifted to create an overlapped beam via constructiveinterference. The overlapped beam from RF elements 816 and 812 producesoutput area 851. Output area 851 can be further narrowed including theoutput beams of at least one of RF elements 814 and 820 into theoverlapped beam of RF elements 816 and 812.

An output area can also track a target. In this embodiment, output area761 provides coverage to static targets 840 and 841. Output area 761 canbe narrowed to focus on either target 840 or 841 via an overlappedoutput beam from RF element 811, 722, and 819. In other embodiments, anoutput area 852 tracks a dynamic target 842 (e.g. a satellite) across anarea of sky to point C. The output beams from RF elements 817, 813, 821,and 815 are phase shifted to create an overlapped beam via constructiveinterference. This overlapped beam produces output area 852. Output area852 is further phase shifted to track and provide coverage to target842.

An output area provides an area of signal coverage in at least a portionof the sky or outer space. The dimensions of an output area can beuser-inputted or autonomously generated via controller 740. Each outputarea can be static or dynamic. Dynamic output areas can change accordingto variables, such as time or environmental conditions.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of the “closely packed” antennaarrangement. Antenna arrangement 900 is similar to antenna array 800,except the antenna arrangement 900 is configured for tracking of dynamictargets via beam combination, rather than phase shifting. The array 900has multiple lenses (including spherical lenses 905, 920, and 925).Although antenna arrangement 900 in this example is shown to includeonly three spherical lenses, it is contemplated that antenna arrangement900 can include four or more lenses. In a preferred embodiment, at leasta first lens is positioned to provide coverage for an area of skydifferent from the area of sky serviced by a second, different lens. Inexemplary embodiments, the lenses of antenna arrangement 900 arespherical. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the lenses ofantenna arrangement 900 is non-spherical.

Each of the lenses includes at least four RF elements, onesub-controller, and one receiver. Lens 905 has RF elements 906, 907,908, and 909. Lens 920 has RF elements 921, 922, 923, and 924. Lens 925has RF elements 926, 927, 928, and 929. Each lens has a sub-controllerconfigured for combining a first output beam produced by first RFelement with a second output beam produced by a second RF element. Asshown, lens 905 is coupled to sub-controller 910, lens 925 is coupled tosub-controller 911, and lens 920 is coupled to sub-controller 912.

An output area can have a fixed position, where the output area isdirected toward a single area of sky to provide coverage to any targetsthat may enter the output area. The output beam from RF element 907 isactivated to create output area 940 in order to provide coverage fordynamic target 941 (e.g. a satellite) within output area 940. As lens905 is spherical, the footprint of output area 940 is depicted as acircle. An output area can also track a target in between the outputareas (e.g. circular footprints) generated via any single RF element. Inan exemplary embodiment, RF elements 926 and 927 are activated to createcombined output area 943 in order to track dynamic target 944 across anarea of sky from point C in output area 945 to point D in output area942. The output beams from RF elements 926 and 927 are combined tocreate a combined output area via constructive interference. The outputbeam from RF element 926 is activated to create output area 945, andoutput beam from RF element 927 is activated to create output area 942.Advantageously, a combined output area facilitates the smooth transitionfor tracking a satellite from the output area of a one RF element toanother output area of another, different RF element.

In a related embodiment, RF elements 921, 922, and 923 are activated tocreate combined output area 948 in order to track dynamic target 949 asit travels in the gap between output area 946, output area 947, andoutput area 950. The output beams from RF elements 921, 922, and 923 arecombined to create a combined output area via constructive interference.The output beam from RF element 923 is activated to create output area946, the output beam from RF element 921 is activated to create outputarea 947, and the output beam from RF element 922 is activated to createoutput area 950.

In certain configurations, RF elements may be arranged in rows andcolumns, coupled to their respective lenses. RF element rows may beparallel or non-parallel. In other configurations, rows of RF elementsmay be closely packed. A “closely packed” RF element arrangement may beembodied by at least two rows of RF elements, clustered together suchthat an RF element is diagonally situated from at least one other RFelement in the other RF element row. Spacing between RF elements isconfigured to be a dense arrangement so as to minimize gain loss in gapsbetween output beams.

Each dynamic target (of the dynamic targets tracked by RF elementsassociated with antenna arrangement 900) is assigned (or alternatively,communicatively coupled with) a receiver for communication with thedynamic target. In a preferred embodiment, controller 930 is configuredfor assigning a receiver to a target. Controller 930 may also reassignreceivers and RF elements as a target is tracked across an output area.In exemplary embodiments, dynamic target 941 is assigned to receiver931, dynamic target 944 is assigned to receiver 932, and dynamic target949 is assigned to receiver 933. In exemplary embodiments, each dynamictarget is assigned a single receiver. In alternative embodiments, two ormore targets may be assigned to a single receiver, where the controller930 will direct the single receiver to rapidly switch coverage betweenthe plurality of targets. Each receiver is configured to receive from atarget. In exemplary embodiments, each target is assigned a receiver. Inaddition, the RF elements of antenna arrangement 900 are configured toreceive/detect incoming signals that have been focused by theirassociated lenses.

As shown, the lenses of antenna arrangement 900 are aligned along avirtual plane. In some embodiments, the virtual plane is parallel to theground on top of which the antenna arrangement 900 is disposed. FIG. 9shows an isometric projection of antenna arrangement 900, which depictsthe array disposed above the ground. In preferred embodiments, thecontroller, sub-controllers, and receivers are disposed between thelenses and the ground. In alternative embodiments, at least one of thecontroller, sub-controllers, and receivers is aligned along the samevirtual plane as the lenses of antenna arrangement 900. In yet anotherembodiment, at least one of the controller, sub-controllers, andreceivers is aligned along a virtual plane different from that virtualplane along which the lenses of antenna arrangement 900 are aligned.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication system, comprising: a first lens,wherein the first lens has a first RF element oriented to produce afirst output beam, and a second RF element oriented to produce a secondoutput beam; a controller configured to combine at least the firstoutput beam and the second output beam to produce a first combined beam,by constructive interference; wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to electronically combine at least the first and secondoutput beams to effectively track a target with the first combined beam.2. The communication system of claim 1 wherein the first lens furthercomprises a third RF element oriented to produce a third output beam;wherein the controller is configured to combine at least the firstoutput beam, the second output beam, and third output beam to produce asecond combined beam, by constructive interference; wherein thecontroller is further configured to electronically combine at least thefirst output beam, the second output beam, and third output beam toeffectively track a target with the second combined beam.
 3. Thecommunication system of claim 1, wherein the target is a dynamic target.4. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the target is a statictarget.
 5. The communication system of claim 2, wherein the controllergenerates the first combined beam independently from the second combinedbeam.
 6. The communication system of claim 1, wherein the first lensfurther comprises a first receiver; wherein the first receiver isconfigured to communicate with at least one of a first target and asecond target.
 7. The communication system of claim 6, wherein the firstlens further comprises a first receiver; wherein the first receiver isconfigured to communicate via at least one of the first output beam, thesecond output beam, and the first combined beam.
 8. The communicationsystem of claim 1, further comprising a first sub-controller coupled tothe controller, wherein the first sub-controller is configured to (i)receive an instruction from the controller, and (ii) electronicallycombine the first output beam based on the instruction.
 9. Thecommunication system of claim 8, wherein the instruction is toelectronically combine the first and second output beams to position thefirst combined beam across a combined output area.
 10. The communicationsystem of claim 9, wherein the combined output area is located in a RFcoverage gap, between the output area of the first output beam and theoutput area of the second output beam.
 11. The communication system ofclaim 1 further comprising a second lens; wherein the second lens has afourth RF element oriented to produce a fourth output beam, and a fifthRF element oriented to produce a fifth output beam; wherein thecontroller is configured to combine at least the fourth output beam andthe fifth output beam to produce a third combined beam, by constructiveinterference; wherein the controller is further configured toelectronically combine at least the fourth and fifth output beams toeffectively track a target with the third combined beam.
 12. Thecommunication system of claim 11 further comprising a third lens. 13.The communication system of claim 12 wherein the third lens is collinearwith first and second lenses.
 14. The communication system of claim 12wherein the third lens is not collinear with first and second lenses.15. The communication system of claim 12 wherein the first lens, thesecond lens, and the third lens are closely packed.
 16. Thecommunication system of claim 1, wherein the first lens is spherical.17. The communication system of claim 1, the first lens has a surfacearea that is substantially spherical.